Judaism Religion of the Fertile Crescent polytheistic deities patron Origins of Judaism Abraham idols Yahweh monotheistic

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Judaism Religion of the Fertile Crescent From the time early humans developed religion, most people in the Fertile Crescent were polytheistic (or believed in many gods and goddesses).

1 Judaism Religion of the Fertile Crescent From the time early humans developed religion, most people in the Fertile Crescent were polytheistic (or believed in many gods and goddesses). They believed these deities ruled the world they lived in, the heavens above, the sea, and even the underworld. These gods and goddesses came in many different forms and were often depicted larger than humans in ancient artwork. People believed that the gods controlled all aspects of our lives and it was our job to keep them happy. If we made them mad; they would cause storms, earthquakes, and could bring you ill fortune. City-states each selected a patron (or protector god). This meant that they worshipped all the gods, but held the chosen god in higher regard. They also built temples, made sacrifices, and worshipped them. Origins of Judaism Abraham lived in the Sumerian city-state of Ur. The people of Ur were polytheistic and worshiped many gods; in fact Abraham s dad was a merchant that sold idols (statues of gods and goddesses). From a very young age, Abraham disagreed with his parents religious beliefs. He was so opposed to their beliefs; that he took a hammer and smashed his dad s entire supply of idols except for one. The statue he did not break was the largest and Abraham placed the hammer in its hand. When confronted for his actions by his father, Abraham told him that the statue was of the only true god, Yahweh. He must have smashed the other false gods. Abraham was monotheistic (or believed in one god). Question: Could you take a stand for something you believed in strongly, even if the majority of other students disagreed with you? Why or why not?

Abraham grew up to be an animal herder or shepherd in Ur. He continued to practice his monotheistic faith and shared it with others. One day, Yahweh called upon Abraham and made him an offer.

Yahweh and Abraham created a covenant or an agreement. Canaan symbolizes this relationship between Abraham and Yahweh and is thus called the promised land.

2 Abraham grew up to be an animal herder or shepherd in Ur. He continued to practice his monotheistic faith and shared it with others. One day, Yahweh called upon Abraham and made him an offer. If Abraham would immediately leave his home/family and move to a faraway land called Canaan; Yahweh would bless him and make his descendant into a great nation (called Israel). Yahweh and Abraham created a covenant or an agreement. Canaan symbolizes this relationship between Abraham and Yahweh and is thus called the promised land.. "WEA Episode Guide to the Bible - Episode 1 In the Beginning." WEA Episode Guide to the Bible. Lightworkers Media, Web. 16 June Question: Could you leave your home and family behind based on your religious faith like Abraham did? Why? Why not? Abraham packed up his belongings and left Mesopotamia. It was a long journey, but he eventually made it to the promised land. Here in Canaan, Abraham and his followers would thrive. His relatives and followers would multiply in number and become known as the Hebrews. All that Yahweh had told Abraham came to be. Abraham will be known as the Father of the Hebrews and as the founder of a new religion called Judaism. Judaism would become the first monotheistic religion in the world. It teaches there is only one God and he is all-knowing, all-powerful, merciful, and just. The Hebrews were shepherds, farmers, and fisherman. They lived in Canaan for hundreds of years, until a severe drought hit the region. The Hebrews decided to migrate to Egypt; it was a land of abundance (or surplus). Initially, they were welcomed by the Pharaoh (the ruler) and allowed to stay. The Hebrews would live here for many years continuing to multiply in number. Eventually, the Pharaoh of Egypt takes notice of their growing numbers and begins to look at them as a threat. He has his powerful army enslave all of the Hebrews. They would stay in Egypt for many years and serve Pharaoh in bondage.

Question: Why do you think the Pharaoh saw the Hebrews as a threat? "Daily Life." Daily Life. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 June 2014.

Along the way the Hebrews would camp underneath a mountain and Moses would climb the mountain to seek the guidance of Yahweh.

He would bring these laws back down the mountain and present them to the Hebrews. The Hebrews believed that God had chosen them and that they had to obey his rules.

3 Question: Why do you think the Pharaoh saw the Hebrews as a threat? "Daily Life." Daily Life. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 June Law Giver Eventually, a prophet (person god speaks through) named Moses would led the Hebrew nation out of Egypt and back through the wilderness towards Canaan. Along the way the Hebrews would camp underneath a mountain and Moses would climb the mountain to seek the guidance of Yahweh. On top of the mountain, he was given the Ten Commandments, a set of moral guidelines for how the Hebrews should live their lives. He would bring these laws back down the mountain and present them to the Hebrews. The Hebrews believed that God had chosen them and that they had to obey his rules. This is why the Hebrews still consider themselves to be the chosen people of God. Moses would become known as the Law Giver of the Hebrews. He would guide the Hebrews back to the promised land, but would not be permitted to enter. He had accomplished his mission for God. Moses receiving the Ten Commandments from Yahweh (God) These ten moral guidelines were easy for the Hebrews to understand

Did you know: The only Hebrews who had access to the Ten Commandments were the priests. The priests constructed an ark to carry them as they continued their long journey back to Canaan.

One story told of a time they were moving the ark and a priest tripped. A man rushed to help him, as to not drop the box and accidentally placed his hand on the side of the ark. He died immediately.

There are countless theories to its whereabouts. "David Danced - Abundant Life." Abundant Life. 2015. Web. 16 June 2015.

4 Did you know: The only Hebrews who had access to the Ten Commandments were the priests. The priests constructed an ark to carry them as they continued their long journey back to Canaan. They called this the Ark of the Covenant. It was plated with gold and had two angels on top of the lid. Legend said that anyone who touched the box itself would die. One story told of a time they were moving the ark and a priest tripped. A man rushed to help him, as to not drop the box and accidentally placed his hand on the side of the ark. He died immediately. It was also said that any army that carried the ark into battle could not be defeated. Nobody knows what happened to the ark or the Ten Commandments, they simply disappeared into history. There are countless theories to its whereabouts. "David Danced - Abundant Life." Abundant Life Web. 16 June After the Hebrews reconquered Canaan from the people living there, they reestablished the kingdom of Israel. They turn an ancient city called Jerusalem into their capital city and built it up. On a hill in the center of the city, they built a magnificent temple called the Temple of Solomon to house all their sacred objects, such as the ark and the menorah. It was made of the finest stone, precious metals, and cedar wood from Phoenicia, they spared no expense. The temple mount was used for worship, sacrifice, as a marketplace, and a place for gathering. It was the center of their religious lives. Artist s recreation of the temple of Solomon The menorah has been a symbol of Judaism since ancient times

"History of Temples Article - MormonTemples.org." MormonTemples.org. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 2015. Web. 16 June 2015. https://upload.wikimedia.

5 "History of Temples Article - MormonTemples.org." MormonTemples.org. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Web. 16 June Core Beliefs The sacred stories and knowledge of the Hebrews were written down on a scroll called the Torah. The Torah taught that Yahweh (God) rewarded people according to their actions. It also said that there will be a Messiah (savior) one day who will restore the great nation of Israel. The Torah also spoke of an afterlife, but the Hebrews put little emphasis on it in their religion. Question: Why would the promise of a Messiah (savior) be so important to the Hebrews? "Is Torah Just For Jews?" Rabbis Without Borders My Jewish Learning. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 June Diffusion The religion of Judaism was mainly practiced by the Hebrew people and continues to be mainly practiced by their descendants. It is more than just a religion to them; it is a way of life and self preservation. Israel was conquered by many times in ancient history by powerful empires. This caused the dispersal of the Jewish people around the world. While the religion of Judaism is widespread, it is not a religion that actively seeks to convert others. You are either born Jewish or are not. Question: Why do you think the Hebrews do not try to convert others to Judaism? Explain

10/4/2018. Big Idea. Judaism emerges in the Fertile Crescent. Essential Question. What are the beliefs of Judaism?

10/4/2018. Big Idea. Judaism emerges in the Fertile Crescent. Essential Question. What are the beliefs of Judaism? Big Idea Judaism emerges in the Fertile Crescent. Essential Question What are the beliefs of Judaism? 1 Aim Describe the beliefs of Judaism. 2 Let s Set The Stage The present-day nation of Israel lies